About Us


FILML.A., INC® is a 501(c)4 not-for-profit public benefit organization and the official film office of the City and County of Los Angeles, among an ever-increasing roster of local municipalities.  Our mission is to streamline and enhance the on-location filmmaking process for communities and content creators, to ensure the Greater Los Angeles economy continues to thrive.

FilmLA was established in 1995 when the City and County of Los Angeles decided to merge and privatize their respective film permit offices, creating a one-stop production resource for filmmakers. Our organization is overseen by an independent 27-member Board of Directors comprised of film industry stakeholders.

FilmLA’s core service is to provide expert, centralized coordination of multi-jurisdictional on-location filming permits in the world’s highest-volume film production region. 

Curious to learn more about FilmLA?  See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Our Services


FilmLA’s service portfolio has increased over time in response to industry, government and community needs. Program and process innovations introduced since the organization’s early days include:

  • Production Planning

    Advance planning helps filmmakers understand neighborhood concerns and/or filming restrictions and pre-empts conflict, ultimately reducing production cost and complexity. Learn More

  • Neighborhood Notification

    FilmLA performs uniform, consistent notification to communities to ensure that residents and businesses are well-informed in advance of filming activity.
    Learn More

  • Community Relations

    FilmLA’s job is to facilitate on-location filming in a way that minimizes inconvenience to communities. We proactively establish an open rapport with local neighborhoods and coordinate permits with their concerns in mind. Learn More

  • On-Location Monitoring

    FilmLA Monitors are our eyes and ears on the street and are assigned to sensitive filming locations to provide community members and production companies with aid throughout the filming day. Learn More

  • Economic Research

    FilmLA is expert in matters related to filming and its economic, civic and cultural benefits for the region. Our data and reports are regularly cited by government representatives, economists, and members of the media. Learn More

PARTNER WITH US


Although many municipal leaders would like to see their areas become more film-friendly, they may not have the resources, staff, or expertise to make that vision a reality. If you represent a local city, public agency, college or school district and this sitation sounds familiar, we want to hear from you!

For nearly 30 years, our expertise in film permit coordination, community outreach, and marketing to filmmakers has helped our government clients get their “big break” in the industry.

Contracting with FilmLA to serve as your film office and implementing the Model Film Ordinance are great ways to attract filming and support our region’s vibrant entertainment economy.

Audited Financial Statements


All revenues earned by FilmLA are invested back into the mission in the form of fair market wages and benefits for FilmLA employees (comprising 80 percent of our operating budget), tools and technology to support daily operations, and ongoing process innovation. FilmLA’s finances and internal controls are subject to comprehensive independent annual audits, the results of which are published below.